ADULT FICTION
“A Long Petal of the Sea” by Isabel Allende — “Allende . . . has deftly woven fact and fiction, history and memory, to create one of the most richly imagined portrayals of the Spanish Civil War to date, and one of the strongest and most affecting works in her long career.” —The New York Times Book Review
“An Improbable Spy” by David Paul Collins — “This riveting spy thriller about an American merchant banker drawn into a world of espionage centers on Jack Devlin, who narrowly escapes Tehran during the 1979 Iranian hostage situation. He loses almost all of his business in the process, and more importantly, leaves the love of his life, Farideh, behind. He’s subsequently approached by a trusted friend who offers him a devil’s bargain: become an expendable spy, one the agency will deny; help the CIA and British MI6 obtain the ledger of Farideh’s father, arms merchant Mustafa Khaki; and they will get Farideh out of Iran. Devlin is thus sent on a wild roller-coaster ride through treachery and mayhem in the Middle East …where his work could easily cost him and his girlfriend their lives. The settings ring with authenticity. The writing flows, the characters are engaging, and the passages showing MI6, the CIA, and Mossad deceiving each other to gain an advantage while “working together” are chilling. This brilliantly written espionage tale is as good as it gets.” — BlueInk Review. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
“Driftwood” by Marie Brennan — “A diverse cast of characters from disparate worlds, each facing their own rapidly approaching mortality, come together to memorialize a missing man―rumored to be immortal―in this new fantasy title from veteran author Brennan . . . Readers will close the cover aching to read more about Last and his world. An exciting delve into a conglomerate land filled with magic and mystery.”
―Kirkus
“Fit for a Queen” by Nicole Burnham — “…Daniela D’Ambrosio is the most trusted employee of Sarcaccia’s Queen Fabrizia, managing the queen’s schedule and ensuring she never makes a misstep in public. But when Fabrizia sends Daniela to organize the belongings of San Rimini’s late queen for a charity auction, Daniela finds a locked closet full of treasure, a suspicious king, and an attractive handyman who seems strangely familiar….When he (Royce) goes undercover to safeguard the late queen’s possessions….Daniela recognizes Royce, she realizes there is more to the palace job than she was told. But can she trust the sexy man standing guard over her as she works?” — Goodreads.com
“Honoring the Enemy” by Robert Macomber — “Macomber weaves the plot and subplots as only he can to tell a riveting tale of this nearly disastrous invasion. His novel is tough to put down and invites you to reread it.” –The Ensign
“Missionaries” by Phil Klay — “A sweeping, interconnected novel of ideas in the tradition of Joseph Conrad and Norman Mailer . . . By taking a long view of the ‘rational insanity’ of global warfare, Missionaries brilliantly fills one of the largest gaps in contemporary literature.” —The Wall Street Journal
“Outside Looking In: A Novel” by T. Coraghessan Boyle — “Boyle takes us deep inside the lives of [Timothy] Leary and his convention-bashing acolytes, offering a brisk read that provides much food for thought. Boyle fans will enjoy.” — (Library Journal (starred review))
“The Absolutely, Positively WORST MAN in England, Scotland and Wales” by Anne Stuart — “Kit Adderley is the worst man in England, a bored libertine who’ll do anything to entertain himself…Bryony Marton is trapped in a quiet life and looking for escape, when her awful fiancé’s best friend inadvertently offers it…On the road, Bryony embraces her freedom, and she’s more than willing to embrace her captor, a man who kicks over convention and isn’t nearly as bad as he and the rest of the world think he is, but now she has a new problem: how to convince the worst man in England, Scotland and Wales that he’s the best man for her?” — Goodreads.com
“The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes — “Moyes paints an engrossing picture of life in rural America, and it’s easy to root for the enterprising librarians.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“The Lies that Bind: A Novel” by Lily Tuck — “The Lies That Bind is a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant exploration of the never-ending search for love and truth—in our relationships, our careers, and deep within our own hearts.” — Amazon.com
“The Lying Life of Adults” by Elena Ferrante — ““Ferrante’s ability to draw in her readers remains unparalleled. [ . . . ] The novel simmers with overt rage toward parental deception, teachers’ expectations and society’s impossible ideals of beauty and behavior.”—BookPage (Starred Review)
“The Order” by Daniel Silva — “A refreshingly hopeful thriller for troubled times… Silva’s latest broad-canvas thriller starring the much-loved Gabriel Allon will quickly take its reserved seat atop most best-seller lists.” (Booklist, starred review)
“Troubles in Paradise: A Novel” by Elin Hilderbrand — “After uprooting her life in the States, Irene Steele has just settled in at the villa on St. John where her husband Russ had been living a double life. But a visit from the FBI shakes her foundations, and Irene once again learns just how little she knew about the man she loved. With help from their friends, Irene and her sons set up their lives while evidence mounts that the helicopter crash that killed Russ may not have been an accident. Meanwhile, the island watches this drama unfold …As a storm gathers strength in the Atlantic, surprises are in store for the Steeles: help from a mysterious source, and a new beginning in the paradise that has become their home. At last all will be revealed about the secrets and lies that brought Irene and her sons to St. John — and the truth that transformed them all.” — Publisher Annotation
“What are You Going Through” by Sigrid Nunez — “Richly interiorized. . . With both compassion and joy, Nunez contemplates how we survive life’s certain suffering, and don’t, with words and one another.”—Booklist, STARRED review
ADULT MYSTERY
“Bombshell” by Stuart Wood — “Woods and Parnell mix crime with Hollywood glitz for a winning combination. Nonstop action and brisk prose, plus the senior Barrington in a cameo role, make for amiable summer reading.—Booklist
“Broken Bone China” by Laura Childs — “Theodosia Browning serves tea and solves crimes in Charleston, a city steeped in tradition and treachery in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.” — Amazon.com
“Buried in Books” by Kate Carlisle — “Captivating. . . The action builds to a surprising final showdown.”—Publishers Weekly
“Eggs on Ice (A Cackleberry Club Mystery)” by Laura Childs — “With a plot that holds interest and characters who are well-envisioned and well-executed, Childs will have readers planning another trip to the Cackleberry Club and its treats.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Long Range” by C. J. Box — “Box has expertly woven together a tense action-filled story, a true page-turner, which incorporates greed, unrequited love, revenge and the worst of luck – luck that destroys lives and puts some favorite characters at ultimate risk.” —Durango Herald
“Lost Books and Old Bones” by Paige Shelton — “A complex plot, a cast of amiable characters, an array of suspects and an enchanting Scottish setting combine to create a clever entry in a capital series, one that provides multiple pleasures, whether or not accompanied by a single malt.”–Richmond Times-Dispatch on Lost Books and Old Bones
“Of Books and Bagpipes” by Paige Shelton — “With an endearing heroine, a cast of eccentric Scots and colorful Edinburgh descriptions, The Cracked Spine offers a pleasant puzzle… [and] promises considerably more than a wee dram of satisfaction in future installments.” ―Richmond Times-Dispatch
“The Book Supremacy” by Kate Carlisle — “Highly entertaining…Quick, clever, and somewhat edgy…Shannon’s not a stereotype–she’s a person, and an interesting, intelligent, likable one at that, which makes it easy to become invested in her tale.”–Smitten by Books
“The Orphan’s Guilt: A Joe Gunther Novel” by Archer Mayor — “[A] fine police procedural, one with a heartrending backstory within its crystal-clear narrative.” —Booklist
LP MYSTERY
“Bertie’s Guide to Life and Mothers” by Alexander McCall Smith — “Poignant. . . . Readers can start here and feel the warmth of McCall Smith’s wit, deft characterization, and overarching theme of kindness. However, if you read the series from the outset, you’ll be treated to an astonishing view of changes in characters’ lives, very much like a time-lapse video in book form.” —Booklist (starred review)
“Miss Dimple Disappears” by Mignon Franklin Ballard — “The details of small-town life are completely engaging. Genre veteran Ballard fills her story with wonderful characters and warm humor.” ―Booklist
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
“Children of the Land: A Memoir” by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo — “Castillo writes with disturbing candor, depicting the all-too-common plight of undocumented immigrants to the U.S.” — (Publishers Weekly (starred review))
“FitzRoy: The Remarkable Story of Darwin’s Captain and the Invention of the Weather Forecast” by John Gribbin — “”[The] finely drawn portrait that emerges from FitzRoy is of a very British hero in the mould of Nelson, who sacrificed his health and personal fortune in the service of his country.”—Gavin Bell, Daily Telegraph
“Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington” by Edward L. Windmer — “Widmer’s exploration of this historical footnote delivers real depth… History buffs will be entertained and enlightened by this unique view of Lincoln and the country on the cusp of war.” —Publishers Weekly
“The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir” by John Bolton — “The most substantive, critical dissection of the president from an administration insider… lays out a long series of jarring and troubling encounters between the president, his top advisers and foreign leaders.” – Washington Post
ADULT NON-FICTION
“All We Can Save : Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson — “Provocative and illuminating essays from women at the forefront of the climate movement who are harnessing truth, courage, and solutions to lead humanity forward.” — Goodreads.com
“Autumn” by Karl Ove Knausgard — “In these secular meditations, Knausgaard scratches away at the ordinary to reach the sublime — finding what’s in the picture, and what’s hidden.” —Washington Post
“Between Everything and Nothing: The Journey of Seidu Mohammed and Razak Iyal and the Quest for Asylum” by Joe Meno — “A suspenseful account of two Ghanaian refugees’ quest for political asylum . . . Meno’s well-written story of survival and friendship puts individual faces on the plight of millions of refugees around the world. Readers will be equal parts outraged and inspired by this novelistic account.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Bold and Beautiful: Artful Quilts from Just One Fabric” by Judi Dains — “Anyone can make these impressive quilts! With Judi’s guidance, you’ll discover the many possibilities hidden in fabrics. Browse in the color-splashed gallery, learn Judi’s creative methods, and then turn batiks and hand-dyed fabrics into glorious works of art.” — Amazon.com
“Boom!: Voices of the Sixties Personal Reflections on the ’60s and Today” by Tom Brokaw — “Remarkable in its insights, profoundly moving, wonderfully written and reported, this revealing portrait of a generation and of an era, and of the impact of the 1960s on our lives today, lets us be present at this reunion ourselves, and join in these frank conversations about America then, now, and tomorrow.” — Goodreads.com
“Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness” by Susannah Cahalan — “This fascinating memoir by a young New York Post reporter…describes how she crossed the line between sanity and insanity…Cahalan expertly weaves together her own story and relevant scientific information…compelling.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Changing the Game: The Parent’s Guide to Raising Happy, High Performing Athletes, and Giving Youth Sports Back to our Kids” by John O’Sullivan — “… offers invaluable insights into the reality of the youth sports world and the critical impact that parents have to make or break their kids’ experience in sports. John O’Sullivan’s thoughtful approach and guidance is spot on and just what we parents and coaches need to help our kids thrive on a field, on a team, and in the game of life!” —Brian Grossman, co-founder of KIDS in the GAME
“Conditions on the Ground” by Kevin Hooyman — “This is for comics readers who love the form but tire of its standard content or for non–comics readers who doubt the form can achieve the bizarrely sublime.” – Booklist
“Decoding Your Cat: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Cat Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones” by American College of Veterinary Behaviorists — ‘In this savvy guide from members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, readers are nudged toward better understanding, and thus coexisting with, their feline companions… Reading this highly informative book will be a good start on the road to making cats happier and more fulfilled at home.”—Publishers Weekly
“Dehydrating Food: A Beginner’s Guide” by Jay Bills — “With the easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions here, anyone can have fun, save money, and create delicious meals by dehydrating food. Learn the basic methods-sun drying, oven drying, net bag, and commercial food dehydrators-before moving on to drying herbs for tea, making your own tasty (and healthier) jerky, and so much more. Also included is a section on the nutritional benefits of drying food. With 164 recipes ranging from breads to desserts, soups to pies, and cereals to entrees, Dehydrating Food is a book for anyone who is interested in learning how to save money and create delicious meals by drying their own food.” — ONIX Annotations
“Die with Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life” by Bill Perkins — “Bill Perkins’ Die With Zero teaches us how to trade off money for something of real value — life’s moments of pure joy, whose memories are our ultimate treasure.” —Laurence Kotlikoff, Professor of Economics, Boston University, best-selling author of Get What’s Yours
“Feasting Wild: In Search of the Last Untamed Food” by Gina Rae La Cerva — “La Cerva demonstrates her ability for diligent observation, and […] offers glimpses of human activities that have grown increasingly rare.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Growing up Rural: A Vermont Childhood Volume 1” by Lorna Quimby –“In Volume One, readers meet Maw, Dad, Lorna’s four sisters, her beloved grandmother, and an extended family that lived as far away as California and Florida, but always stayed in touch. It covers the daily and seasonal routines of life close to the land and special events such as visits from family and neighbors, and the courtships and weddings of older sisters.” — North Star Monthly
“Growing up Rural: A Vermont Childhood Volume 2” by Lorna Quimby — “In Volume Two, the author’s world expanded as she began to help her father on the farm, started school, and encountered the benefits and pains of medicine and dentistry before culminating with the celebration of her parents’ silver anniversary on the eve of World War II.” — North Star Monthly
“Hand-Taming Wild Birds at the Feeder” by Alfred G. Martin — “The author describes the advantages of natural types of feeders, the best foods to offer, and exactly how to make a bird bath. He tells how to hand-tame the chickadee, …there are notes on bird identification, on making movies of birds,a nd on how to care for them if ill or injured. Including stories of individual birds, the author’s voice makes this more charming than the average manual.” — Amazon.com
“Hattitude: Knits for Every Mood” by Cathy Carron — “Snappy, stylish, fabulous, and fun; there’s just something about a hand- knit hat that screams ‘attitude!’ Now, … knitters can quickly and easily make one to express any mood, put the finishing touch on any outfit, and even change an entire look. All the designs have unique twists of color or detail that make them stand out from the store-bought pack. …” — PUBLISHER ANNOTATION
“Healing Lyme Beyond Antibiotics: A Personal Account of Winning the Battle Against Lyme Disease” by Isabella S. Oehry — “Healing Lyme Beyond Antibiotics tells the story of Isa’s successful recovery, but is more than a guide on how to cure oneself from Lyme disease by natural means. It also informs the reader about the bacteria that cause the illness, offers detailed information about bacterial hosts and reservoirs, and gives advice on how to protect oneself from getting infected.” — Goodreads.com
“Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Creative and Comprehensive Homeschool Curriculum” by Rebecca Rupp — “…Rebecca Rupp presents comprehensive plans from preschool through high school, covering integral subjects for each grade, with lists of topics commonly presented at each level, recommended resource and reading lists, and suggestions for creative alternative options and approaches. Included, along with all the educational basics, are techniques and resources for teaching everything from philosophy to engineering, as well as suggestions for dealing with such sensitive topics as sex education… Home Learning Year by Year continues to be the definitive book for the homeschooling parent.” — ONIX Annotations
“How to Astronaut: An Insider’s Guide to Leaving Planet Earth” by Terry Virts — “How to Astronaut is an amusing and enlightening insight into an astronaut’s work life…. This is an eye-opening insider’s view on what it’s really like to be an astronaut: the joys, the dangers, the fear, and the day-to-day reality of it. Virts’ writing is humorous, playful, down to earth, and often wise.” —Booklist
“Lost Connections : Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression-and the Unexpected Solutions” by Johann Ari — “This is a bold and inspiring book that will help far more than just those who suffer from depression. As Hari shows, we all have within us the potential to live in ways that are healthier and wiser.” – Arianna Huffington
““Organizing Solutions for People With ADHD” by Susan C. Pinsky — “…presents a simple but effective, long-term solution to get you back in control of your life. Written by professional organizer Susan Pinsky, it outlines a practical, ADHD-friendly organizing approach that emphasizes easy maintenance techniques and methods for maximum efficiency, catering to the specific needs of the ADHD population.” — PUBLISHER ANNOTATION
“Quick & Easy Quiltmaking: 26 Projects Featuring Speedy Cutting and Piecing Methods” by Mary Hickey (plus others) — “This collection of projects for bed and wall quilts incorporates the speedy cutting and piecing techniques developed by some of the most innovative and respected quilting teachers in America. Both beginner and experienced quilters will find projects and techniques that appeal to their range of skills and tastes…”– Goodreads.com
“Rage” by Bob Woodward — “An essential account of a chaotic administration that, Woodward makes painfully clear, is incapable of governing.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“The 10-Step Depression Relief Workbook: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach” by Simon A. Rego — “More and more we are learning the value of “been there, done that” in medical care. Sarah Fader’s lived experience makes her uniquely qualified to give other people living with depression valuable hints, tips, and insights into managing their disorder. This book provides a great roadmap for success that anyone can follow. If you, or a loved one, is suffering from depression, this is a great resource.”―Gabe Howard, Mental Health Activist
“The ADHD Advantage : What You Thought was a Diagnosis May Be Your Greatest Strength” by Dale Archer — “…As someone who not only has ADHD himself but also has never used medication to treat it, Dr. Archer understands the condition from a unique standpoint. Armed with new science and research, he hopes to generate public interest and even debate with his positive message as he guides the millions of people with ADHD worldwide toward a whole new appreciation of their many strengths and full innate potential.” — Amazon.com
“The Depression Cure : The 6-step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs” by Stephen S. Ilardi — “Dr. Ilardi reminds us that our bodies shouldn’t be sleep-deprived, or subjected to poor diets and frenzied twenty-first-century life…The book describes an easy-to-follow, clinically proven program that follows a clear system to what our bodies need.” ―Huffington Post
“The Family Circus: By Request” by Bil Keane — “…His cartoons are hung regularly throughout America, which is more important to him than having his works hung in the Museum of Modern Art (which they are not).” — Goodreads.com
“The New Birdhouse Book: Inspiration and Instruction for Building 50 Birdhouses” by Leslie Garisto — “…Author Leslie Garisto provides suggestions for using birdhouses as design accents in the garden or home and provides advice on what to look for, where to shop, and how much to pay for authentic birdhouses.” —Goodreads.com
“The Photo Ark Vanishing: The World’s Most Vulnerable Animals” by Joel Sartore — ““This book is both beautiful and heart rending. All of the animals in it are either already extinct in the wild or heading towards extinction. Just think about that. The man taking all of these magnificent pictures wants to at least make a record of each one’s existence before it falls from the earth.” –Broken Teepee
“The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth” by Wade Hudson — “Though readers of color may find a number of these entries far too familiar, there is striking versatility in the approaches, cultures, and experiences of the authors that will compel readers of all backgrounds to continue forward.” —Booklist, Starred Review
“The Upward Spiral : Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time” by Alex Korb — “Depression can feel like a downward spiral, pulling you into a vortex of sadness, fatigue, and apathy. In The Upward Spiral, neuroscientist Alex Korb demystifies the intricate brain processes that cause depression and offers a practical and effective approach to getting better. Based on the latest research in neuroscience, this book provides dozens of straightforward tips you can do every day to rewire your brain and create an upward spiral towards a happier, healthier life.” — Amazon.com
“Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day” by Jay Shetty — ““Jay Shetty shows you step by step how to build your power, shifting your focus from self-image to self-esteem. This book frees you from the hypnosis of social conditioning and helps you become the architect of your own life.”—DEEPAK CHOPRA, MD, professor of medicine, University of California, San Diego, and New York Times bestselling author
“Troubleshooting Guide to Residential Construction : The Diagnosis and Prevention of Common Building Problems” by Journal of Light Construction — “Most construction defects are easily prevented during construction, but expensive to fix later. Learn from over 50 experts in the field where most costly trouble spots are and how to avoid them.” — Goodreads.com
“War: How Conflict Shaped Us” by Margaret MacMillan — “An insightful and disturbing study of war as an aspect of culture.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Winter” by Karl Ove Knausgaard — “The author casts the world in a holy glow of surprise and compassion… A winningly interior journey into the most interior of seasons.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred
ADULT AUDIO BOOK
“Blame the Dead: A Novel” by Ed Ruggero
“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
BLUE/DVD
“American Ballet Theatre at the Met: Mixed Bill”
“Lost in the Barrens”
“Modern Family: The Complete First Season [videorecording]”
“Orphan Horse”
“Red Dog [videorecording]”
“Shark Tale [videorecording]”
“Star Trek, Picard Movie & TV Collection”
“The Living Sea [DVD Recording]
“The Magnificent Seven Collection”
“Toy Story [videorecording]”
PARENTING
“20 Fun-Filled Games That Build Early Reading Skills: Quick and Easy Literacy Games That Get Emergent Readers Off to a Great Start!” by E. D. Hirsch — “This delightful collection of easy-to-play games helps kids learn phonemic awareness, sound-letter relationships, sight words, rhymes, word meanings, blends, digraphs, and more. Includes instant, reproducible game boards. For use with Grades K-2.” — Goodreads.com
“All About ADHD: A Family Resource for Helping Your Child Succeed with ADHD” by E. D. Hirsch — “Comprehensive and reassuring, this book is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, pediatricians and mental health professionals.” – West Suburban Living
“Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World” by Deborah Reber — “Differently Wired will help parents of children who think differently to accept their child for who they are and facilitate their successful development.” —Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and The Autistic Brain
“Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD That Restores Attention, Minimizes Hyperactivity, and Helps Eliminate Drug Side Effects” by James Greenblatt — “Finally Focused is one of the smartest books on ADHD in many years. It is filled with a clear, effective, science-based program that gives you all the building blocks to treat ADHD naturally and effectively. I highly recommend it.” – Daniel G. Amen, MD, Founder of Amen Clinics and New York Times bestselling author of Healing ADD and Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
“Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers: 8-Minute Routines to Help Your Child Grow Smarter, Be Happier, and Behave Better” by Helen Garabedian — “If you’ve been looking for a fun and loving way to help your children learn and improve their development, look no further than Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers….Yoga can even help your child throughout the day-from taming tantrums to teaching cooperation-On the Go advice and Super Duper Poses show you how. Enjoy the fun of yoga with your child today!” — Goodreads.com
“Raising Boys with ADHD: Secrets for Parenting Healthy, Happy Sons” by James W. Forgan — “The book is informational and action-oriented: terms are explained, and current research and treatment options are explored in language that parents can understand, use with their sons, and disseminate to others.” —Publishers Weekly, March 19, 2012
“Raising Girls with ADHD: Secrets for Parenting Healthy, Happy Daughters” by James W. Forgan — “… Thorough yet easy to read, this book provides parents with the necessary information to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany raising a daughter with ADHD. … After reading Raising Girls With ADHD and developing their own Dynamic Action Plan, parents will feel better prepared to face the many challenges and expectations the years will bring.” —Patricia O. Quinn, MD, coauthor of Understanding Girls With ADHD and author of Attention, Girls!
“The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel — “Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson have created a masterful, reader-friendly guide to helping children grow their emotional intelligence. This brilliant method transforms everyday interactions into valuable brain-shaping moments. Anyone who cares for children—or who loves a child—should read The Whole-Brain Child.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence
“What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know: Preparing Your Child for a Lifetime of Learning” by E. D. Hirsch — “Designed for use by parents and teachers, this groundbreaking first volume in the Core Knowledge Series provides kindergartners with the fundamentals they need to prepare them for a lifetime of learning. It sets out the elements a parent or educator should look for in a good kindergarten program and introduces activities that help a child take the first steps in learning to read and write.” — Amazon.com
BOARD BOOK
“L’ABC des Siraenes”
“Mrs. Peanuckle’s Vegetable Alphabet”
“Pippa and Pelle”
“Une Souris”
KIT
“Pumpkin Kit”
PICTURE BOOK
“A Three Hat Day” by Laura Geringer
“All are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold
“Amelia Bedelia Bakes Off” by Herman Parish
“Bedtime for Sweet Creatures” by Nikki Grimes”
“Bonniema and Fredpa’s Big Family” by Shelley Adam
“Día de los Muertos” by Roseanne Thong
“Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built” by Angela Burke Kunkel
“Freedom Soup” by Tami Charles
“How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion” by Ashima Shiraishi
“I Am Enough” by Grace Byers
“Just Ducks” by Nicola Davies
“Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration” by Samara Cole Doyon
“Margaret’s Unicorn” by Briony May Smith
“Mouse Tales” by Arnold Lobel
“Nana Akua Goes to School” by Tricia Elam Walker
“One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers” by Roseanne Thong
“Rescuing Mrs. Birdley” by Aaron Reynolds
“Saturdays are for Stella” by Candy Wellins
“Smart George” by Jules Feiffer
“Spooky Bunny Tales” by Max & Ruby
“Sweetest Kulu” by Celina Kalluk
“The Blue House” by Phoebe Wahl
“The Camping Trip” by Sven Nordquist
“The Most Beautiful Thing” by Kao Kalia Yang
“The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!” by Mo Willems
“The Starkeeper” by Faith Pray
“Think Before You Act : Learning about Self-discipline and Self-Control” by Regina C. Burch
“Waiting Together” by Danielle Dufayet
“We are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom
JUVENILE/YA AUDIO BOOK
“His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman — “The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass are available together in one volume perfect for any fan or newcomer to this modern fantasy classic series.” — Goodreads.com
“The Story of the World: Volume 1 Ancient Times” by Susan Wise Bauer — “This may well be the best multi-age read aloud narrative of world history yet to have been written.”- Homeschooling in Japan
“The Story of the World: Volume 2 The Middle Ages” by Susan Wise Bauer — …. this revised edition of The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Volume 2: The Middle Ages weaves world history into a story book format. Who discovered chocolate? What happened to the giant Fovor of the Mighty Blows? Why did the Ottoman Turks drag their war ships across dry land?” — Goodreads.com
“The Story of the World: Volume 3 Early Modern Times” by Susan Wise Bauer — “…weaves world history into a story book format. Who was the Sun King? Why did the Luddites go around England smashing machines? And how did samurai become sumo wrestlers?” — Goodreads.com
“The Story of the World: Volume 4 The Modern Age” by Susan Wise Bauer — “Discover the marvelous stories of the world’s modern nations with the newest volume of this read-aloud series….Where was the Crystal Palace? Who was the Sick Man of Europe? And how did cow fat start a revolution?” — Goodreads.com
JUVENILE FICTION
“Before the Ever After” by Jacqueline Woodson — “Using spare and lyrical language for ZJ’s present-tense narration, which moves back and forth through time, Woodson skillfully portrays the confusion, fear, and sadness when a family member suffers from brain injury and the personality changes it brings. . . . The well-rounded secondary characters complete a mosaic of a loving African American family and their community of friends. . . . A poignant and achingly beautiful narrative shedding light on the price of a violent sport.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Curse of the Night Witch” by Alex Aster — “”Debut author Aster takes inspiration from Colombian folklore to craft a rousing series opener that’s both fast-paced and thrilling. As her protagonists face off against a host of horrors, they learn the value of friendship and explore the possibility of changing one’s fate in a world where destiny is predetermined.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Lalani of the Distant Sea” by Erin Entrada Kelly — “Unlikely but determined heroine Lalani is lovably loyal, kind-hearted, and optimistic even as she faces unspeakable dangers, and her relentless spirit makes her a worthy protagonist in this triumphant tale about fighting for the people one loves and staying true to oneself.” — (Publishers Weekly (starred review))
“Little House on Rocky Ridge” by Roger Lea MacBride — “(This is the story of the spirited daughter of the author of the beloved Little House series.) Picks up the Wilder family history as Laura, Almanzo, and daughter Rose travel in a covered wagon to Missouri where they purchase Rocky Ridge Farm and make a new life for themselves.” — ONIX Annotation
“Ragweed & Poppy” by Avi — “Ragweed is on a freight train heading away from Amperville, seeking a new life. On his way, he meets Lotar, an innocent but annoying baby raccoon who is desperate to reunite with his mother. Though Ragweed doesn’t want to be tied down, he helps the youngster. After finally getting rid of the pesky creature, a high-flying misadventure lands him in Dimwood Forest. That’s where Ragweed hears another cry for help. Following the call, he finds a cage with a young deer mouse trapped inside. When he asks the mouse’s name, she replies, “Poppy.” How Ragweed comes to Poppy’s aid, and how Poppy comes to his, is the story of how their fateful friendship begins.” — Publisher Annotation
“Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure” by Jeff Kinney — “From the imagination of Rowley Jefferson comes an adventure of epic proportions. Join Roland and his best friend, Garg the Barbarian, as they leave the safety of their village and embark on a quest to save Roland’s mom from the White Warlock. Will our heroes survive? Find out in Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure!” — Amazon.com
“Sisters of Sword & Song” by Rebecca Ross – “Ross’ heroic epic is vividly inspired by ancient Greece, down to its poetic language…it revels in intricate plotting, political intrigue, and fascinating divinity-based magic.” — (Booklist)
“The Adventures of Jimmy Skunk” by Thornton W. Burgess — “When Jimmy Skunk curls up to take a nap in an old barrel, the imp of mischief gets the better of Peter Rabbit. Tons of trouble plague the long-eared prankster after he decides it’d be great fun to see the barrel – with Jimmy inside – roll down from its resting point high on a hill. Reddy Fox gets the blame for Jimmy’s wild ride (as well as a dose of the skunk’s “perfume”); Peter gets his comeuppance for playing nasty tricks; and before the day is out, Jimmy Skunk and Unc’ Billy Possum go egg-hunting and wind up in a pretty pickle in Farmer Brown’s henhouse. Children will delight in these warm, whimsical adventures that combine all the interest and excitement of a good story with gentle lessons about nature, wildlife and such virtues as courtesy, kindness, and preparedness.” — ONIX Annotations
“The Light in the Lake” by Sarah R. Baughman — “Baughman convincingly portrays the varied reactions to the findings as well as everybody’s desire for the lake to thrive…Compassionately told, this compelling debut brings to life conservation issues and choices young readers will confront as adults.”―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The Time of Green Magic” by Hilary McKay — From acclaimed author and Costa winner Hilary McKay comes The Time of Green Magic: a beautiful, spell-binding novel about family, magic, an old house and a mysterious visitor. . .” — Publisher Annotation
“The Tower of Nero” by Rick Riordan — At last, the breathtaking, action-packed finale of the #1 bestselling Trials of Apollo series is here!” — Amazon.com
“The Wild Path” by Sarah R. Baughman — “In Baughman’s skillful handling, Addie’s memories of her brother and her first-person voice are both heartbreaking and hopeful. The novel offers a gentle, introspective exploration of grief and the wonder and fragility of nature, creating a beautiful and dynamic world in which the scientific method and magic coexist.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
“A Wild Child’s Guide to Endangered Animals” by Millie Marotta — “Where in the world do birds sleep in midair or fish reside in the desert? Marotta reveals the answers in this informative introduction to 43 endangered species from around the world, including both rare and well-known animals living in a variety of habitats: freshwater, oceans, forests, mountains, tundras, deserts, grassland, and wetlands. Caribou, axolotl, giraffes, agami, and herons come to life in the author’s highly detailed illustrations.” — Susan Scheps, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People” by Debbie Reese — “This is a desperately needed corrective to existing histories for young people, and its combination of breadth and passion will spur both reflection and emotion.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments: From Boiling Ice and Exploding Soap to Erupting Volcanoes and Launching Rockets, 30 Inventive Experiments to Excite the Whole Family!” by Mike Adamick — “Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments has those amazing (but messy) projects…that he will love to do with the kids.” —Parents Magazine
“D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths” by Ingri D’Aulaire — “Originally published as ‘Norse Gods and Giants’, this lavishly illustrated compendium includes an insightful introduction by Michael Chabon. The d’Aulaires manage to capture the wildness and strangeness of the Norse pantheon with their bold lithographs and no- nonsense prose. Now a new generation of children can enjoy this impressive volume as much as their parents did.” — THE HORN BOOK
“Egypt in Spectacular Cross-Section” by Stephen Beisty — “Stephen Biesty’s Egypt is endlessly fascinating and entertaining, as well as being an authoritative source of information on a culture children love to study.” — The Times
“Kerry and the Knight of the Forest” by Andi Watson — “An infectiously fun adventure that hints at danger without crossing the line into frightening. Put this into the hands of “Hildafolk” fans.” —School Library Journal
“Mountain Biking for Kids” by Christopher C Keller — “This book is more than brilliance in basics. It combines mental and physical ideologies to nurture the mindset of the young mountain bikers. Even if you are already knowledgeable of mountain biking this guide is sure to leave you with gems to apply and remember.” — Amazon.com
“Nine Months: Before a Baby is Born” by Miranda Paul — “This touching book describes milestones both inside and outside of a mother’s belly over the course of nine months. . . . Children both young and old will be captivated by the details of fetal development and the story of a family preparing for and welcoming a new member.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“Power Up” by Seth Fishman — “Fishman begins this work with an unbelievable but true statement about how there is enough energy in a person’s pinkie finger to power a large city for an entire day. …A great introduction to human physiology that affirms just how special our bodies are.” — (School Library Journal)
“Pyramids” by Anne Millard — “Millard’s own interest in Egypt is evident, as more than half the book is devoted to Egyptian pyramids from all three kingdoms. She provides a wealth of information on their design, construction, and purpose, as well as on ancient funerary practices and the workers’ roles. Far less detailed information is supplied for pyramids in the Americas…” — Chris Sherman
“Roman Myths” by Anthony Masters — “This book features a beautifully illustrated collection of marvelous stories retold from classic legends and ancient mythology. The tales are lively, well-written versions that make the drama and excitement of each story accessible to children of all ages.” — Amazon.com
“Thanku: Poems of Gratitude” by Miranda Paul — “This poetry anthology, edited by Miranda Paul, explores a wide range of ways to be grateful (from gratitude for a puppy to gratitude for family to gratitude for the sky) with poems by a diverse group of contributors, including Joseph Bruchac, Margarita Engle, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Naomi Shihab Nye, Charles Waters, and Jane Yolen.” — Amazon.com
“The Death of the Faefolk” by Anne-Marie Keppel – The Death of Faefolk intertwines lessons in death education, ordinary magic, otherworld travel and healing through ancestral lines. Walk deep into a land where innocence and elderhood meet- where the real work of examining your bones is discovered. Four young adults and a mysterious young man are brought together through the death of their beloved dog only to discover that death and life are inseparable and living is more precious because of it. Magical, humorous and emotionally moving, The Death of Faefolk is the story of life after the Great Virus where death education has become essential to understanding how to live.” — Amazon.com
“The Ocean in Your Bathtub” by Seth Fishman — “This picture book sparkles with a mix of basic and surprising information about oceans. . . . The illustrations are a perfect match—amusing and informative, with some unexpected details. . . . A fabulous find.” — (School Library Journal (starred review))
“The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth” by Wade Hudson — “This collection should speak to any child or adult–especially BIPOC children and adults–who has been affected by systemic racism and inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement….An anthology filled with abidinginspirational messages of self-love and love for others.” –Shelf Awareness
“The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander — “[T]his magnificent anthem to the courage and genius of black Americans has been turned into a picture book with stunning portraits by Nelson….communicating clearly that when black lives matter, America is stronger.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
“Titanic Young Survivors” by Allan Zullo — “Eleven-year-old Billy Carter kneels down on the slanting deck of the Titanic and hugs his beloved dog — a tan and black Airedale. Can Billy save himself and his pet? Fifteen-year-old Edith Brown and her mother climb into Lifeboat 14. Edith begs her father to join them. Why won’t he? Seventeen-year-old Jack Thayer looks over the side of the sinking Titanic and stares into the frigid sea. There are no lifeboats left. He knows he has to jump, but can he? These and other young people came from many walks of life. Now, on the night of April 14, 1912, they all face a life-or-death crisis abroad the Titanic. When the unthinkable occurs, can they survive?” — ONIX Annotations
“Tutankhamun” by Demi — “Using research that includes the artifacts in King Tutankhamun’s tomb, Demi shares the rich details of the king’s life, from ostrich to lion hunts, to the challenges of ruling his Kingdom. Demi’s storytelling skills and magnificent artwork, inspired by Egyptian line in paintings, architecture, sculpture, and jewelry, reveal the life of a remarkable king who has been watching us “across a span of more than 3,000 years.”” — Amazon.com
“We the People” by Aura Lewis — “An engaging introduction to a document that continues to shape American lives.” – Publishers Weekly
“Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice” by Mahogany L. Browne — “This collection of poems by women of color covers topics relating to social justice, activism, discrimination and empathy, focusing on the need to speak out and inspiring middle-graders.” –Vogue
“Your Place in the Universe” by Jason Chin — “People of all ages will want to pore over the captivating artwork and think about the relationship between size and space. . . . A fascinating book that is as informative as it is marvelously absorbing.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review
YOUNG ADULT
“Akata Witch” by Nnedi Okorafor — “Sunny, albino daughter of Nigerian parents, is used to being called a witch; even so, it’s a surprise to learn she is one. Along with her coven, she must take on Okotoko the Black Hat, a serial killer who preys on children. Sunny’s world of pepper soup and afrobeat music, the audacious personalities, and Okorafor’s lively writing make this offering stand out.”” — THE HORN BOOK
“Grown” by Tiffany D. Jackson — “Gripping in both its content and format… Jackson’s writing some of the best thrillers for teens these days.” (Booklist (starred review))
“Pàng, the Wandering Shàolín Monk” by Ben Costa — “One part historical fiction, one part kung fu action adventure comedy drama, Pang, The Wandering Shaolin Monk–winner of the 2009 Xeric Award–explores the history and legend of the Shaolin Temple’s murky past, while adding much needed depth to the kung fu genre.” — Amazon.com
“Spinning Silver” by Naomi Novik — “A perfect tale . . . This book is about the determination and quiet competence of women doing remarkable things without knowing first that they can do them. . . . A big and meaty novel, rich in both ideas and people, with the vastness of Tolkien and the empathy and joy in daily life of Le Guin.”—The New York Times Book Review
“The Scottish Chiefs” by Jane Porter — “Rooted in political controversy, gender warfare, violence, and revolution, Jane Porter’s The Scottish Chiefs is the epic story of William Wallace’s struggle for Scottish independence from English rule. After the cruel death of his wife at the hands of the English, Wallace embarks on a patriotic crusade to free Scotland, gathering around himself loyal followers of both sexes, drawn from across Scottish society. Using the cross-dressing motifs of romance, Porter demonstrates that women have a crucial role to play in the drama of national identity, either as temptresses or national heroines. The Scottish Chiefs is a landmark in the development of the historical novel, and explores vital questions of patriotism, civic duty, heroism, and the role of women.” — ONIX Annotations
“This Book is Anti-Racist” by Tiffany Jewell — “Using clear, compelling language, Jewell employs four sections to deftly explain progressive understandings of identity, history, action, and solidarity as tools to encourage antiracist reflection, thought, and action. … Jewell offers readers at various points in their activist journeys a necessary primer on antiracist thinking (a glossary helpfully defines underlined terms used throughout, including cisgender, neurodiverse, and femme). Thoughtful, energizing calls to action and journal prompts encourage readers to check in with themselves and to “grow from our discomfort.” – Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“We Are Not From Here” by Jenny Torres Sanchez — “A devastating read that is difficult to put down, this unforgettable book unflinchingly illuminates the experiences of those leaving their homes to seek safety in the United States.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW